Peach Tree, &#39;Burpeachtwentynine&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachtwentynine’, and which produces an attractively colored white-fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 10 to August 17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

The present invention relates to a new, novel, and distinct variety ofpeach tree, ‘Prunus persica’.

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Burpeachtwentynine’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program offruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improvethe commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, androotstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of prunus,malus and regia species. To this end, we make both controlled and hybridcross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populationsfrom which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachtwentynine’ was originated by us, and selectedfrom a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchardswhich is located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their ownroots, were derived from an open pollenated seedling of an experimentalpeach seedling which was then growing in our breeding program. The seedwas collected from the aforementioned unnamed experimental peachseedling during the summer in August of 2002. This experimental peachseedling was of unknown parentage. After a period of stratification, theseed was placed in a greenhouse, by population, and then field plantedfor tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation.One white-fleshed peach seedling, which is the present variety,exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designatedas ‘M37.028’. This seedling was marked for subsequent observation. Afterthe 2005 fruiting season, the new variety of peach tree was selected foradvanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree wasaccomplished by budding the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock(un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchardwhich is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of theseasexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions runtrue to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, andits fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through thesesucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burpeachtwentynine’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, whichis considered of medium large size, and which has a moderately vigorousgrowth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productivebearer of relatively large, firm, white-fleshed, freestone fruit whichhave a very good flavor, and eating qualities. This new peach tree has amedium-high chilling requirement of approximately 750 hours, and furtherproduces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy.In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new peach tree alsoappears to have good handling and shipping qualities. TheBurpeachtwentynine peach tree bears fruit which are typically ripe forcommercial harvesting and shipment on approximately August 10 to August17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valleyof central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Snow Giant’ peachtree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,872), and which is the closest knownvariety, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit, when sampled at thesame flesh pressures and maturity as that of ‘Snow Giant’ exhibitsincreased soluble solid levels, that is, from 2 to 4 brix higher. Whenthe new variety is compared to its parent, Burpeachtwentynine provides ajuicier flesh and a more aromatic sensation in flavor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph ofthe new peach tree variety. The photograph, as provided, depicts twowhole mature fruit showing the top and bottom characteristics thereof,and one mature fruit bisected transversely below the equatorial plane,and which reveals the flesh color, and stone characteristics, thereof.The external coloration of the fruit, as shown in the photograph, issufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, thephotograph displays a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves,and a typical stone with the flesh removed. The colors in thesephotographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a colorrepresentation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing andprinting, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may, or maynot, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason,future color references should be made to the color plates (RoyalHorticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001), and the descriptions asprovided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely complywith the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute acommercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the presentvariety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological orother characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, thisdisclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claimsincluding, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, orfitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which isdirected, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed duringthe seventh fruiting season, and under the ecological conditionsprevailing at the orchards of the assignee which are located near thetown of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of Calif. All major color codedesignations are by reference to the R.H.S. Colour Chart (FourthEdition, 2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of GreatBritain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium to medium-large in its            growth pattern as compared to other common commercial peach            cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree            of the present variety was pruned to a height of            approximately 280.0 cm to about 320.0 cm at commercial            maturity.        -   Width.—Approximately 300.0 cm.        -   Vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present peach            tree variety grew from about 170.0 cm to about 178.0 cm in            height during the first growing season. The new variety was            pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm during the            first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then            selected for the desired tree structure.        -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more than            the desired crop load, to levels higher than desired levels,            when the new variety is grown in a suitable horticultural            zone, and under appropriate commercial conditions. The fruit            set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit            into the desired market-sized fruit. The number of the fruit            set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions, and the            cultural practices employed. Therefore, productivity is not            a distinctive characteristic of the new variety.        -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than            adequate during the previous years of observation, and            thinning was necessary during the past 7 years on both the            original seedling and on subsequent asexually reproduced            trees.        -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.        -   Density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered            that pruning the branches from the center of the tree to            obtain a resulting vase shape allows for enhanced air            movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight to improve            fruit color, and renewal of fruiting wood throughout the            tree.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA            Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling            requirements of the new tree is approximately 750 hours at a            temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears            to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley            climatic conditions.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 18.5 cm in diameter when measured at            a distance of approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level.            This measurement was taken at the end of the seventh growing            season.        -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous            folds of papery scarfskin being present. Since bark            development and coloration change with advancing tree age            this characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and            surrounding regional conditions. Therefore, this            characteristic is not a dependable descriptor of the new            variety.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The            lenticels range in size from approximately 3.0 millimeters            to about 6.0 mm in width, and between about 1.0 and about            2.0 millimeters in height. The development and size of the            trunk lenticels can be influenced, to some degree, by the            ambient growing conditions, and are not, necessarily, a            dependable characteristic of this variety. As trees of this            variety mature, lenticels are present, but they are            generally covered by increasing layers of cork (mature bark)            and therefore become less apparent.        -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown, (RHS            Greyed-Orange Group 165 B).        -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to            be a medium reddish brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 175 A).            This bark description was taken from trees in their seventh            leaf which have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have            developed bark furrowing which is much more typical of the            bark of older trees. It should be noted that the coloration            of the bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother,            darker background color approaches other bark features such            as the lenticels, and the initial fissures which form a            feature of the scarf skin development.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach varieties. The            branches have a diameter of about 10.2 centimeters when            measured during the seventh year after grafting.        -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood            which is several years old.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and            are usually growing at an angle of about 42 to about 55            degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. This            characteristic can be influenced, to some degree, by tree            vigor, rootstock and other cultural conditions.        -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially            glabrous.        -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.2 cm.        -   Color of mature branches.—Grey brown, (RHS Greyed-Brown            Group 199 B).        -   Current seasons shoots.—Color — Medium-light green, (RHS            Yellow-Green Group 144 B). The color of new shoot tips is            considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green Group            144 C). The vegetative shoot color can be significantly            influenced by plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and            exposure to sunlight, and therefore should not be considered            a consistent botanical characteristic of this new variety.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium large for the species. Leaf            measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,            current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should            be understood that the leaf size is often influenced by            prevailing growing conditions, quality of sunlight, and the            location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For this            reason, leaf sizes can vary significantly based upon the            ambient and cultural factors listed above, and are not            typically considered a dependable botanical descriptor.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 135.0 to about 173.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 39.0 to about 55.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal            symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.        -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — Dark green, (approximately            RHS Green Group 135 A).        -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.        -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — light to medium green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 A).        -   Leaf venation.—Broadly, pinnately veined.        -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered a light yellow-green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 150 C) in the early to            mid-period of the growing season.        -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating. Form. — Considered crenate.            Uniformity. — Considered generally uniform.        -   Leaf petioles.—Form. — Considered canaliculated, and having            a more pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect.            The petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from            the ventral aspect. Size. — Considered medium small for the            species. Length. — About 6.0 to about 11.0 mm. Diameter. —            About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color. — Pale green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 151 C).        -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered small for the species;            approximately 1.0 mm in length; and about 1.0 mm in height.            Number. — Generally one to two glands per marginal side are            found. Observations of more than two glands per marginal            side are much more uncommon. Type. — Generally considered to            be a tight, small reniform shaped gland. Color. — Considered            a medium light brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group            199 B). Typically the coloration of the glands darkens, and            occasionally begins to desiccate during, and after, the            mid-late growing season.        -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium large for this variety.            Number. — Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot            tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated            marginal edge. Color. — Green, (approximately RHS Green            Group 139 B) when young, but graduating to a brown color,            (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group N172 A) with            advancing senescence. The leaf stipules are generally            considered to be early deciduous.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Hardiness.—Generally speaking, no winter injury (bud death)            has been noted during the last several years of observation            in the central San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach            tree has not been intentionally subjected to drought, cold            or heat stress, and therefore this information is not            available.        -   Length.—Approximately 12.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 8.5 millimeters.        -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.        -   Bud orientation.—Considered not appressed. This is            particularly so as the blossom is observed near opening.        -   Flower bud.—Size — This is highly dependent on the state of            maturity. The flower buds as described herein were observed            approximately 7 days prior to bloom.-   Flowers:    -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Mar. 4, 2012.        -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to            other commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San            Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on Mar.            9, 2012. The date of full bloom varies slightly with            climatic conditions, and prevailing cultural practices.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 7 days. This characteristic            varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.        -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and            perigynous.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a Showy type            flower.        -   Flower size.—Considered average for the species. The flower            diameter at full bloom, is approximately 38.0 to 42.0            millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally one to two flower buds appear            per node.        -   Petal size.—Generally considered medium for the species.            Petal Length. — Approximately 16.0 to 20.0 millimeters.            Petal Width. — Approximately 14.0 to 17.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.        -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.        -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.        -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,            (RHS Red-Purple Group 63 D), and darkening with advanced            senescence, and the exposure of the petal to sunlight, to a            medium-dark pink, (RHS Red-Purple 64 C).        -   Fragrance.—Slight.        -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered truncate in            shape, and is generally medium-small in size when compared            to other known varieties. Length. — Approximately 6.0-8.0            millimeters. Width. — Approximately 7.0 to 9.0 millimeters.        -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable in shape, from            nearly smooth to moderately undulate and ruffled, especially            apically.        -   Petal apex.—Generally, the petal margin is entire at the            tip.        -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long with an            approximate length of about 3.0 to about 4.0 millimeters.            Diameter. — Approximately 2.5 millimeters. Color. — A            medium-brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 D).        -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a light olive green            (RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 A).        -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A            dull red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group 183 A).        -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine            pubescent texture. Number. — 5 sepals are usually present.            Size. — Average, and ovate in form. Sepal Length. —            Approximately 4.0 to 6.0 millimeters. Sepal Width. —            Approximately 4.0 to 6.0 millimeters. Sepal Shape. —            Generally obovate. Sepal Margin. — Considered smooth and            entire. Sepal Color. — A dark, muddy red, (approximately RHS            Greyed-Purple Group 187 A).        -   Anthers.—Generally. — Average in length. Color. — Red to            reddish-orange when viewed, dorsally, and prior to            dehiscence, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 180 A).        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 B).        -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.        -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately 13.0 to 18.0 millimeters in            length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white, (RHS            Red Purple Group 62 D).        -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than            one. Generally. — Average in size. Length. — Approximately            18.0 to about 20.0 millimeters in length including the            ovary. Color. — Considered a very pale green, (approximately            RHS Yellow Green Group 151 C). Surface Texture. — The            variety has a long pubescent pistil.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping            ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Aug. 10, 2012. Date of last picking.            — Aug. 17, 2012. The date of harvest can vary slightly with            the prevailing climatic conditions and the current cultural            practices. When compared to the original parent, the date of            maturity is about 3 weeks earlier.        -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform for the            species.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 90.0            millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to about 85.0            millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Approximately 205.0 grams. This            characteristic is quite dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of the new variety.        -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered globose. The fruit is            generally uniform in symmetry.        -   Fruit suture.—No callousing or stitching exists along the            suture line.        -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit is blushed to the same            degree as the skin, (approximately RHS Red Group 42 B).        -   Ventral surface.—Form — Quite even, and uniform in            appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral sutural            plane. The suture shape often exhibits a slight, rounded            protrusion, in the region of the ventral axis.        -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded, to slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Shape — Generally smooth.        -   Stem cavity.—Generally — It extends in a rounded circular            form which is generally considered uniform, and equally            centered around the pedicle. The average depth of the stem            cavity is about 6.0 mm. The average width of the stem cavity            is about 25.0 mm. The average length of the stem cavity when            measured in the suturial plane is about 25.0 mm.        -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and            tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and            pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —            Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the            previous years of observation and evaluation.        -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a red            blush exists on a majority of the skin of the fruit            (approximately RHS Red Group 42 C), and is more typically            present on the portions of the fruit which are exposed to            sunlight. The blush of the fruit typically covers            approximately 70-80% of the fruit skin surface. The            percentage of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary,            and is generally dependent, as noted above, upon the fruit's            exposure to direct sunlight; specific fruit maturity; and            also the prevailing ecological and cultural conditions under            which the fruit is grown. It should be noted that the            presence of darker pigmentation which causes ‘striping’ or            ‘tigering,’ is generally observed laterally, and above the            equatorial plane and generally increases in frequency, and            in progression toward the fruit's apex. This additional            pigmentation generally deepens the hue of the surrounding            skin surface.        -   Ground color.—Yellow (approximately RHS Yellow Group 12 C).            The ground color of the fruit can vary quite significantly,            based upon the maturity of the fruit when this measurement            is taken.        -   Fruit stem.—Size — Medium in length, approximately 6.0 to            about 8.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to            about 3.0 millimeters. Color. — Pale yellow-green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 C).        -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Texture. — Firm,            juicy and dense. Considered firm yet non-melting. Fibers. —            Present but not prominent. Aroma. — Very slight. Eating            Quality. — Considered very good. Flavor. — Considered very            sweet, and with moderate acidity. The flavor is considered            both pleasant and balanced. Juice Production. — Moderate.            When compared to the original parent tree the new variety is            much more juicy. Brix. — About 15.0 to 19.0 degrees. This            characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per            tree; the maturity of fruit when harvested; the prevailing            cultural practices; and the ambient climatic conditions. In            comparison, the brix of the closest known variety, that            being, ‘Snow Giant’ is about 12 to about 14. Flesh Color. —            It is considered a yellowed white, (approximately RHS Yellow            Group 10 D. In contrast the flesh color of the original            parent is white.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Considered free stone.        -   Size.—It is generally considered to be medium-small for the            variety. The stone size varies significantly depending upon            the tree vigor, the crop load and the prevailing growing and            cultural conditions.        -   Length.—Average, about 27.0 to about 30.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Average, about 23.0 to about 28.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Average, about 21.0 to about 24.0 millimeters.        -   Apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a slight to prominently            acute apex.        -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Considered irregularly            furrowed toward the apex. Further, more pitting exists in            the mid-portion of the stone (laterally), and is more common            toward the base. Ridges. — Ridging is generally more            prominent, and is usually oriented parallel, and laterally            relative at the ventral and dorsal margins.        -   Stone form.—Roughly ovoid.        -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly,            attenuate. Ventral Edge. — The ventral edge of the stone is            generally considered troughed with two reasonably            distinguishable edges running parallel to, and on both sides            of the stone's suture. These distinct edges continue from            the hilum to the apex. Dorsal Edge. — Shape — Generally            considered even. The folds of the surface ridges appearing            on the external margins often end, rather gently along the            suture.        -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally            considered a dull brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange            Group 166A).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been noted.        -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 15.0-18.0 millimeters.            Width. — Approximately 9.0-12.0 millimeters. Thickness. —            Approximately 4.0-7.0 millimeters. Size. — The kernel is            considered medium in size. Further the kernel is gelatinous            and immature when the fruit is fully mature. Form. —            Considered generally ovoid. Pellicle. — Slightly pubescent.            Color. — (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 175 A).        -   Use.—The present variety ‘Burpeachtwentynine’ is considered            to be a peach tree of the late season of maturity, and which            produces fruit which are considered to be firm, attractively            colored, and which are useful for both local and long            distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present            variety has stored well for periods of up to 30 days after            harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.        -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree            variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage            after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing            procedures.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not            been intentionally tested to expose or detect any            susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit            diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other            environmental factors.

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley ofCalifornia, it should be understood that variations of the usualmagnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growingconditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost,climatic variables and changes in horticultural management are to beexpected.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree,what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustratedand described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty byproducing an attractively colored white-fleshed, freestone peach whichis mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 10 to August17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valleyof central California.